Technology Highlights

Handheld Computing in the Field and Paperless Condition Reports

For several years Vertical Access has been using a software product known as PocketCAD to collect facade survey data in the field using handheld, pen-based computers. A drawdown menu system was developed by Vertical Access to streamline data input in the field. This program is fully compatible with AutoCAD and other CAD software programs that are capable of reading files in a ".dwg" format.

Using the stylus, any of a number of commonly used drafting "tools" such as lines, points, circles and squares are used to annotate vector-based CAD drawings. Attribute tags containing information about existing conditions are directly associated with these specific "icons" and are embedded in the drawing for subsequent extraction and manipulation in a database format.



The iPAQ, a handheld, pen-based computer that runs on Windows CE used with PocketCAD for collecting facade survey data in the field.

Vertical Access seeks to minimize the challenges of collecting, managing, and interpreting large amounts of dense facade survey data while maintaining an ability to record detailed information.



In the transfer of field data to AutoCAD, there can be an overwhelming concentration of conditions information to organize and interpret.



An alternative to the clutter of dense facade survey data is the use of symbols with embedded attributes in place of conventional tags.



Annotated elevations that simply locate, depict, and describe existing conditions will give way to drawings with embedded attribute information containing such data as: type of material; class of fault/deterioration; priority code; severity, extent, or dimension of condition; quantity of the effected area; photo I.D. number; digital photograph, audio or video clip; and possibly GPS coordinates.

Vertical Access is continuing to develop new ways to utilize technology for the efficient collection and presentation of clear and useful data. The native graphics features of AutoCAD may be combined with customized programming to offer database linking advantages of GIS technology. Of great potential is AutoCAD's "hyperlink" command that can be used to connect a photo, text file, spreadsheet, website, video clip, etc. with any object in a drawing. A website or CD would be the source destination for the hyperlinked photos, video, etc. In opening the hyperlink, AutoCAD would immediately connect to a website, local hard drive, or network where the photos or other files are located. This system could be a very nice way to package the final product of a conditions survey having the advantage of all information being accessible from within the AutoCAD drawing, in a digital format with no paper necessary.

The future of handheld computing for Vertical Access is in the use of durable tablet computers on which full versions of AutoCAD and Windows Operating System may be run. This eliminates time-consuming steps in the transfer of facade survey data to a finished AutoCAD drawing. By creating more seamless collection, management, and output of information, Vertical Access is striving to reduce errors in the interpretation of facade survey data.